Tuesday, August 8

Yesterday saw a full day of peulot for the entire camp — this included candlemaking in the Melechet Yad, telescope-making in the Village, and tie-dye wars – where bunks create beautiful t-shirts while running around squirting each other with tie-dye. The day ended with another glorious dinner and night tochnit — there was lots of cheering in the chadar ochel, as the bunks have really built a strong connection and bunk and eidah identity. It was also the last day of activities for Kaytana, and they had time to buy Stoneware, and pack up, and their last night included a big carnival with blow-up trampoline, etc. We are so sad the Kaytana chanichim are leaving and are so looking forward to having them all here again in 11 and 1/2 months!

Today, following a morning shiur about passion and “dveykut” in Judaism, the whole camp (Eidot Alef – Daled) headed to the Machane Chutz! A 3-day, 2-night overnight in the beautiful nature of Sugar Grove, PA.

Eidot Alef – Daled had beautiful weather for being outdoors and are having THE best time!! They played frisbee, set up their sleeping bags, played games, and gathered wood for campfires. So many photos coming!! Each camper is part of a “plugah” that works together on the chutz, creating opportunities for inter-Edah bonding, and ultimately grilled burgers for dinner at their very own fire pits. Last night was also a beautifully clear night, in which campers on the Chutz could look up and see the stars, the Milky Way, and even participate in a star-gazing activity.

Machal drove to Washington, DC and visited some memorials (e.g. the Lincoln Memorial) and had a sicha about making a difference in the world. Tomorrow they will spend the day in D.C.